Book a flight to Jakarta with Qatar Airways

Indonesia’s capital is the heart of its culture, and with a population of almost 10 million people Jakarta is one of the world’s most populous cities. Book a flight to Jakarta with Qatar Airways to experience an ancient city that has been a busy trading port, a colonial capital and one of the world’s fastest growing mega-cities. Join the millions of visitors who fly to Jakarta every year in search of a city with a rich heritage.

Tourist attractions

Jakarta, previously known as Batavia, was once the capital of the Dutch East Indies, and there are many historic buildings that date to this colonial era. Jakarta Cathedral is one such attraction, and is more than a hundred years old. The Istiqlal Mosque is also a popular place to visit, and is Indonesia’s largest and most revered mosque.

If you’re taking a family trip to Jakarta then Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah) is well worth a visit, as it provides a child-friendly overview of the whole country using painstakingly crafted miniature models. Other ‘must-sees’ include the Ancol Dream Park and the 137m tall Monas National Monument.

In a city with so many people, it’s hardly surprising that there is an abundance of things to do. But a trip to Jakarta also gives you the chance to explore further afield. Head to Bogor to visit the Bogor Botanical Garden, an oasis of more than 15,000 species of trees and plants native to the region. You can also visit the tea plantations that surround the city.

Leisure activities

Back in Jakarta there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including paintball, Go-Karting and ice skating. Golf is particularly popular, with an astonishing 35 different courses located in and around the city. Petrol-heads might like to visit one of the cities ‘drifting’ circuits, where high performance cars screech and skid their way round the tarmac.

Hiking and snorkelling tours in Gunung Krakatau are a great way to get out of the city and explore the islands off the coast. Back in Jakarta, there are plenty of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Namaste festival in November, where visitors can find out more about the ancient art of Yoga. The Jakarta Fair is held for a month between mid-June and mid-July and celebrates the cultural diversity and richness of Jakarta City, and is focused around the Monas National Monument in the heart of the city.

Eating in Jakarta

Jakarta has a large selection of restaurants and there are smaller eateries scattered throughout the metropolis. Traditional local dishes include Soto betawi, which is broth made from coconut milk, tripe and intestines (and tastes much better than it sounds!). Alternatively try kerak telor – a delicious omelette with sticky rice, coconut and dried shrimp.

Indonesian cuisine tends to be quite heavy on the spices, but there are many places to eat in Jakarta that serve international food. If you’re feeling adventurous, Jakartan street food is highly regarded and surprisingly spicy. It can be sampled in a number of areas, including Glodok and Kota Tua. (Those with sensitive stomachs might prefer to steer clear of street food).

Shopping in Jakarta

Travel to Jakarta and you’ll find ample opportunities for shopping, whether you’re looking for traditional crafts and fashions or high-end branded products. To sample the authentic commerce of the city head to one of the large markets in Tanah Abang and Pasar Baru.

There are also many large, modern shopping complexes where visitors can pick up imported goods as well as locally produced items. Shopaholics should consider travelling to Jakarta with an extra suitcase.

Cultural considerations

Jakarta and Indonesia in general has many customs and idiosyncracies that may at first seem odd to overseas visitors. Belching for instance is not considered rude, and is even seen as a compliment for a good meal.

Indonesian culture places a high emphasis on togetherness, it should also be noted when travelling to Jakarta that it is considered rude to shake hands or handle food with the left hand.

Travel requirements

Most flights to Jakarta land at Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Jakarta please check the visa and passport requirements.